Middle East churches, Al-Azhar, leaders mourn Pope Francis Pope Francis was praised by several regional leaders and churches, including Lebanon's Maronite Church and Iraqi officials, who noted his historic visit to Iraq in 2021. Lebanon
Analysis UAE hedges against global economic volatility with EU trade agreement The UAE is doubling down on bilateral free trade agreements as it hedges against economic headwinds fueled by the United States' universal tariff policy. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
France expels 12 Algerian diplomats in tit-for-tat escalation Paris decided to retaliate symmetrically after the expulsion on Monday of 12 of its diplomats from Algeria. Algeria
Analysis France recalibrates Turkey ties as east Med dynamics shift: What to know After years of strain between France and Turkey, the two countries seem to be seeking rapprochement on regional issues. By Jonathan Fenton-Harvey In London, reporting on North Africa and Gulf politics
Can EU's fear of terrorists give Turkey clout in ocean drilling? Following his threats to flood Europe with Syrian refugees, the Turkish president is now trying to use Islamic State suspects as leverage. Syria
Palestinians await presidential decree to hold general elections The PA’s call for general elections seems to have gained traction in Palestine, especially with Hamas' approval for them to be held. Qatar
Egypt conducts joint drills with Greece, Cyprus amid Turkey tensions The naval forces of Egypt, Greece and Cyprus conducted joint military exercises in the Mediterranean amid tensions with Turkey over its drilling activities in the area. Egypt
Top Netanyahu donors’ West Bank winery seeks Trump’s help fighting EU The Psagot winery has hired a former US ambassador to the EU to lobby against “settlement” labeling regulations. Israel
Erdogan defies international outcry over Syria incursion Turkey has faced a barrage of recrimination for launching a military operation against Syrian Kurdish militants, but its president vows to maintain the “struggle for survival,” even as the death toll mounts and a humanitarian crisis looms. Syria
Is Turkey able to handle influx of Islamic State prisoners? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey can take custody of Islamic State prisoners at a time when every other country avoids the repatriation of their own citizens. But there are serious questions as to whether Turkey can handle the situation. Iraq
Is Erdogan resettlement plan for Syrian refugees really viable? The Turkish president's proposal to build refugee settlements in the safe zone has already revitalized the Turkish construction industry. Neither refugees nor the Kurds are pleased, and the international community has lashed out at the plan. Syria
SDF, coalition crack down on IS remnants in Syria US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces are dismantling Islamic State cells as the terrorist group still has a presence in northern and eastern Syria despite its declared defeat earlier this year. Iraq
Palestinian school to produce anti-corruption experts The Palestinian Anti-Corruption Academy plans to launch next year to train Palestinians with skills to curb corruption. Palestine
UN nuclear watchdog confirms Iran installing advanced centrifuges The IAEA has confirmed Iran’s third step of reducing its limitations on nuclear research and development under the JCPOA. Iran
Syrians ready to flee to Turkey as soon as border opens Syrians recently protested in Idlib, calling on Turkey to open a humanitarian corridor so they can escape the government shelling. Syria
As Trump mulls Iran diplomacy, Mnuchin plays more visible role As US President Donald Trump mulls Iran diplomacy, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is playing a more visible role. United States
